Into October and just a few running and walking events left on the local calendar.  Still lots of great running weather ahead of us though.  I’m currently in Penticton and was in Calgary on the weekend so missed out on local events.  I see on Results Canada’s site that Jason Warick was in Regina and won the 10K event at the Flatlander’s race.

Before you know it, it will be time for the SRRA Ultra.  If you aren’t running it then please consider volunteering.  Because this course covers a large part of our trail system there are quite a few marshals required to make sure people don’t get lost and make it an even longer ( or shorter ) race.  If you can help please contact Lynn Cushway at l.cushway@sasktel.net and lend a hand.

I know there are some Saskatoon runners heading for Victoria this weekend for the Royal Victoria Marathon.  Good luck.  This event was listed a few years ago in Runner’s World magazine as one of their top 10 picks for a North American destination race.

TRAIL SAFETY

I hear there was a cyclist pedestrian collision on Saturday on the Meewasin Trail near the Mendel resulting in some broken bones for the pedestrian.  This does not surprise me as I’ve seen many close calls both as a runner and a cyclist.  I have no information as to who did what but I’ll tell you what I’ve experienced.  Cyclists zipping close by a group of runners without warning bell or verbal alert.  Pedestrians and runners moving to the left instead of the right when alerted by a cyclist that they are passing.  When walking on the trails you should think like a driver, pass on the left and stay to the right when being passed.  Everyone will be safer if we practice this.  In clinics and run club we have some really big groups of runners.  It is important to remember we have to leave room for others on the trails.  This may mean running no more than three abreast and maybe no more than two.  Be safe out there.

EVENTS

Saturday, October 15 - 2nd Annual OT Fun Run, Walk, and Roll in Saskatoon.  The event will take place on October 15th at Meewasin Park, the same location as last year's event. This year's event includes 2, 5, and 10 km distances, registration begins at 10 a.m. with the run beginning at 11 a.m. Registration fees are $30 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Please bring completed registration forms with you to the run including your signed waiver. Cheques can be made out to SSOT.

If you plan to participate, please send your name and number of participants to ot.run.sk@gmail.com as soon as possible. We hope to have our expected numbers by October 1st to help us plan the event. The participant raising the most pledges will receive a prize, and many other fabulous prizes are available for those raising $50 or more. 

Saturday, October 22 - SRRA ULTRA.  I think this is the 4th year of this increasingly popular event.  Run it solo or in a team of 3.  Registration forms and information are available on the Saskatoon Road Runners website www.saskatoonroadrunners.ca . Volunteers are desperately needed - please contact Lynn Cushway at l.cushway@sasktel.net .

Tuesday, November 1 - Day of the Dead Fun Run.  7PM at Blackstrap Provincial Park.  This is a night run so flashlight or headlamps are mandatory.  The organizers have now set up a website http://mudfirstracing.webs.com/ where you can get all the details and an entry form.  A few more volunteers for this event would be happily welcomed.

Saturday, November 5 - SRRA Prediction Mile and Annual Meeting.  Details to follow in later TIMES.

Sunday, November 20 - Arthritis Society Jingle Bell Walk - Run for Arthritis.  18th annual. Enter this non-competitive, fun-filled, family-oriented pledge-based event for The Arthritis Society. Don a seasonal costume, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces and run, walk, jog or stroll the 2km, 5km or the 10km individual routes. Enter as individual or as a team (three or more people).

Check here for more http://arthritis.akaraisin.com/Common/Event/Home.aspx?seid=3792&mid=8 .